WREXHAM’S injury list thankfully seems to be shortening at last, but there is one high-profile name definitely out of Sunday’s derby with Shrewsbury – referee Phil Dowd.

No, Wigan manager Paul Jewell hasn’t finally caught up with the Staffordshire official. Dowd went off injured at half time in Preston’s 2-1 win over Norwich on Saturday and is expected to be out for six weeks.

“We’ve got Mike Dean instead, who’s from the Wirral, so at least he’ll be cheap,” said Dragons secretary Geraint Parry.

Midfielder Jeff Whitley is hopeful of making the squad for Sunday’s clash after coming through 60 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday.

“He came through fine,” said physio Mel Pejic yesterday. “He’s had a good week’s training since joining, he’ll train tomorrow and Saturday, and if he’s okay it’ll be down to Brian Carey whether or not to pick him.”

Striker Neil Roberts should be available for Sunday after the birth of his daughter at the weekend.

Defender Shaun Pejic may return to training today after a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Matt Crowell and striker Juan Ugarte are three or four weeks away from a return to training.